Online Reporter
Mkhululi Ncube [email protected]
MATABELELAND South Province has recorded a 200 percent increase in veld fires so far this year with Gwanda District reporting deaths of eight goats.
According to the Environmental Management Agency (EMA) provincial education and publicity officer, Mr Simon Musasiwa, most provinces recorded an increase in veld fires during this year’s fire season that started on July 31 compared to last year.
He said the agency has initiated a number of measures to address the problem.
“There has been an upsurge in veld fire incidences and the damage caused by the fires. We have recorded over 200 percent increase compared to the same period last year,” he said.
Mr Musasiwa said by September last year 35 000 hectares had been lost to veld fires and the figure had jumped to 80 000 hectares this year.
“We experienced a fire in Gwanda where we lost eight goats in the Insindi area which is an area that has never experienced veld fires in the past. With the climate change dynamics that are in play, we are seeing areas like Gwanda and Beitbridge which were free from veld fires also being affected by veld fires.”
Mr Musasiwa said the agency expected an increase of veld fires this season hence the implementation of several mitigatory initiatives.
He urged communities to put up standard fire guards and avoid starting fires outside their properties.
“We have been moving around reminding farmers to put up fire guards on their farms to protect property and grazing land. We have issued over 150 fire guard construction orders and prosecuting those who have not complied,” he said.
Mr Musasiwa said using model villages, communities were being taught protection strategies, provided with firefighting equipment and trained on how to put out fires.
“So far we have had these model villages in Bulilma, Mangwe, Insiza and Umzingwane districts which are veld fires hotspots. We will replicate what has been done in these districts across the province,” he said.
— @themkhust
